FAQs

1. What is Tax efficient giving?

Donations to St. David’s Medical Foundation are eligible for Gift Aid tax relief; this means the gift is free from tax and we can claim back the basic rate tax already paid on gifts of money received from individuals who pay or have paid UK tax. The scheme also allows UK companies to make gifts of money to charity before any tax is deducted.
For example if an individual currently paying a basic level of tax makes a donation of £80, we receive £100.

When you are making a gift to the Foundation, please make sure you make the gift aid declaration.

Tax Efficient Giving – The Actual Cost of Gifts Made Tax Effectively by Individuals

Examples of the actual cost to donors of gifts made tax effectively under the Gift Aid Scheme. There are no upper limits to the amounts which may be given under the Gift Aid Scheme.

2. I pay taxes, surely it is the government’s job to pay for medical research?

We recognise the significant contribution made by the tax payer to medical research and teaching. However the government only provides some of what is urgently needed to find the solutions for disease and disability. The rest has to be met through other external funding bodies, trusts and foundations. In response to rising levels of uncertainty surrounding funding for research in Wales we want to help foster a culture of philanthropy and attract the widest possible sources of income available. Charities in the UK fund more research than both the NHS and the Government together. We can't select where our taxes go, but charities are immune from the vagaries of government or changes in political priorities. St David’s Medical Foundation offers people the chance to support medical research and development in ways which are close to their personal beliefs and values.

3. Why Swansea?

South West Wales is experiencing some major boosts to its economic and social wellbeing. However there is still some way to go before the region gets the medical treatment and care that every person in the region deserves. Sadly, conditions such as diabetes, allergy and cancer are particularly prevalent here and some of our projects are addressing those concerns right now (click here to see more about these projects). The school is now in an excellent position to start boosting the current NHS trust work and we know that patients benefit directly from being cared for in places that are undertaking related research. Patients in Wales are benefiting today from breakthroughs made in the region in areas like cancer prevention, probiotic treatments and diabetes care. But if funds for research decline, patients will have to wait longer for new treatments and care. More inward investment and financial support is essential if Wales is to not fall behind the rest of the UK in its medical prowess and healthcare delivery. Ongoing financial support for medical advance is also needed to counter the brain-drain and maintain the competitiveness of the Welsh knowledge economy.

But the research and teaching in Swansea will not just benefit the region, our research groups are leading the way in their particular fields of knowledge and a translational approach to medicine means that new treatments, drugs and prevention strategies can be of benefit to humans everywhere. In addition to our work in the local community, our clinicians and scientists are also undertaking collaborations with doctors overseas, click here to find out more about our international projects in particular the Swansea-Gambia link.

4. Can I decide where my gift goes?

You may choose to make a general gift which will be used at the discretion of the trustees and put to any one of our diverse range of activities. Or you can give to one of our featured projects, please click here to see a full list. Alternatively you can send your bequest to any aspect of university life, please see the School of Medicine website for more information and contact us to discuss your options. If you wish, you can put your or a loved one’s name to a particular post, plaque or facility. Please see our donor recognition page for more information.

5. How do I know that you will use my money in the way I have indicated?

Using gifts in accordance with donors’ wishes is something we take very seriously. We will send a receipt for your donation and will at the same time confirm that it will be used, or has been invested, in the way you have requested. Funds are held in dedicated accounts, and these are an important means of accounting for donations. The Trustees are legally responsible for ensuring that funds are used in accordance with UK law and they must approve all expenditure.